Microsoft claims to hold the answers that could eventually put an end to the HD format war. The company claim that its HDi interactive technology, which is being integrated into all new HD-DVD players will attract high-definition consumers to embrace the format.
HDi allows users to download trailers, re-edit films and participate in other interactive activities including online polls. The interactive features will be found on new HD-DVD discs that take advantage of the player's Internet connection.
In a recent interview, Kevin Collins, Microsoft's 'HD-DVD evangelism director', said, "When the first titles with Web-enabled extras come to market, you will start to see the distinct disparity between the formats when it comes to interactivity."
Some of the latest HD-DVD film releases already claim interactive features. Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, offers an online poll that viewers can participate in after watching the film. The ancient war drama, 300, which will be released later this month, allows users to re-edit the film and rearrange the order of scenes. And, there are rumours that future films will even let users purchase clothing featured in the film.
"With the network people can download just what they are interested in and they can get rid of what they are not interested in. You have unlimited capacity," Collins said.
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what a load of tosh, i just want to watch a film!, being able to "re-edit" the film is for such a small minotity of people, those that think they are better than the director.
download trailers.. yea, cool, but.. cant we do that on any other system too? apple tv, mac, pc, 360, ps3, phone...
oh no, im not going to buy that HD movie player, as it cant do what all my other devices do